Now celebrating 43 years, the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean will hold its spectacular Italian Festival from Wednesday, August 7 through Sunday, August 11 at the Mike Cernigliaro Fairgrounds in Joe Palaia Park, located at 200 Whalepond Road (corner of Deal Road) in beautiful Ocean Township, New Jersey. With free parking and free admission, bring the entire family for thrills, entertainment, games and food. The fun begins each evening at 5:00 pm and continues to 11:00 pm. There are hourly 50/50 drawings, with the Grand 50/50 drawn on the closing night.
This year’s Festival promises to be the best ever, with 33 food vendors selling all types of specialties like traditional sausage and peppers, pork and broccoli rabe sandwiches, meat ball sandwiches, pastries, zeppole and much, much more. There will be raffles, games of chance, games of skill, plus carnival rides to thrill visitors of all ages!
Each evening features live music and entertainment in the park’s new band shell. Opening night on Wednesday will feature Lou Parisi as headliner for the evening. Wednesday is also a discounted ride night.
Thursday has the group Temporary Road performing, followed on Friday by Lights Out, plus there will be fireworks at 9:30 pm. Saturday night will have the headliner Mama’s Boy and the final night of the festival on Sunday, features the West End Dogs playing classic rock.
Other events during the festival include hot dog, pizza and pasta eating contests, as well as performances by youth gymnastic and dance groups.
The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean uses proceeds from the festival to provide educational scholarships to deserving students and present awards to youth-based charities, donating over $150,000 over the course of the last three years alone. So bring the family and enjoy a wonderful time while helping to ensure that the children of today will have a better tomorrow. For information visit their website at www.IAATO.com/festival.
